Scotland is one of the world’s great active destinations, its mountains, rivers and lochs brilliant for getting right in amongst the great outdoors and campsites don’t come any more ideal for adrenaline junkies than Loch Tay Highland Lodges. At the foot of the site they offer both canoeing and kayaking, boat hire, fishing and thrilling RIB rides from their own Loch Tay marina, while they also rent out mountain bikes. Then there is the new hiking path that links up with the epic trail up Ben Lawers, which at 1,214m, is Perthshire’s highest mountain and higher than any mountain in England and Wales. Just a scenic drive or cycle along the banks of Loch Tay and the River Tay’s whitewater charms await.
Loch Tay no longer takes tents, but there are plenty of alternative accommodation offerings from cosy, heated glamping pods to glamping domes and woodland cabins. All have access to a stirling wash facilites, common room and the fully-equipped camper's kitchen (the premium glamping pods boast their own cooking facilities). The domes sit in the old camping field, enjoying views over Loch Tay and back towards the mountains. A childrens’ playground, putting green, communal campers room with large flat screen TV and leather sofas and the waterfront Boathouse Restaurant complete the resort-style experience on this 140 acre seriously adventurous estate.
A path leads off directly up towards Ben Lawers, a serious mountain ascent that should only be tackled by the well equipped and suitably skilled. The Lawers range also boasts a flurry of other Munros (mountains over 3,000ft/914m) to tackle. At the other end of Loch Tay lies the striking Scottish Crannog Centre (01887 830 583), a fascinating insight for all the family into how people lived around Loch Tay thousands of years ago. Also at the opposite end of Loch Tay Aberfeldy is the centre of the River Tay’s whitewater activities. Splash (01887 829706) run myriad trips.
The on site family-friendly Boathouse Restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes to enjoy with loch views on the wooden deck overlooking the marina. Bar meals, pizza and pre-ordered packed lunches can all be ordered. Elsewhere, The Bridge of Lochay Hotel (01567 820 272) boasts creative cooking using local produce with the likes of baked haggis bon-bons with a turnip veloute or Scottish ribeye with chorizo. The hotel also has a well stocked bar with local ales and Scottish whiskies.